The importance of gaining related experience

02/05/2007

One of most important tips that career counselors give to students on a daily basis is – "get some experience!" Many students come to college after participating in various high school extracurricular activities and gaining some part-time job experience. This is a great start! In college, continuing to participate in a variety of experiences is extremely important in helping students "test out what interests, skills, and values will be most important" in their career development."

This "experience" can come in many forms such as volunteering, student employment, summer jobs, internships, undergraduate research, and participation in various extra-curricular clubs and organizations. For example, learning to plan and organize events as part of your student employment position or working for the student newspaper as a writer or copywriter are two such examples of experiences that will help students test out interest areas and develop and refine skills. There’s no limit to the kind or number of experiences available right here at CSB/SJU! As students engage in and reflect on these activities, some themes or threads start to emerge in terms of likes, dislikes, and things to do to continue learning more. At times, it is learning about "what you don’t like" that helps one move more in the direction of "what I do like!" Career Counselors are interested and willing to discuss possible opportunities for students to get involved!

Employers and graduate schools want students to have related career experience as part of their education. It’s not too early to be thinking of ideas for summer opportunities and ways for students to begin gaining that "experience" beginning after their first year. For some students (perhaps first years and sophomores), it may be helpful to think about doing informational interviews and job shadows as a way to learn more about a particular field of interest. For others approaching their senior year, internship and/or research opportunities may be appropriate.

Career Services sponsors/provides a variety of services/programs that may be helpful:

• Weekly career panels provide students with career ideas as well as opportunities to network with CSB/SJU alums. Check out the schedule in Career Designs (www.csbsju.edu/career/ and click on Career Designs).
• CSB/SJU’s alum career network, CANE, highlights many alums that are willing to talk with students about their careers and majors. Students can access this information by using CANE in the Career Resource Centers.
• MN Private College Internship/Job Fair – Feb. 20/21, 2007 – must attend Information Session to participate; registration deadline is Feb.9. Students have received information about this Fair through e-mails, postcards and other promotions.
• On-Campus Internship/Job Interview Program – some organizations come to campus during Spring semester to interview candidates for summer internships and full-time jobs. Check out E-link on the Career Services’ home page for available positions. Some companies post their available positions on E-link and conduct interviews at their company location versus on-campus interviews.
• Staff can meet individually with students to develop and discuss strategies to gain experience, taking into consideration such factors as interest areas and geographic preferences. Workshops on a variety of topics such as "Effective Resumes" and "Interviewing Tips" help students learn effective strategies. Staff also critique resumes and cover letters – have your son or daughter make an appointment to have us take a look at their resume!